[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 3521, THE ``EXPEDITED LINE-ITEM VETO AND 
                       RESCISSIONS ACT OF 2011''

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2011

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, today I join my friend House Budget 
Committee Chairman Ryan to introduce the ``Expedited Line-Item Veto and 
Rescissions Act of 2011.'' Taxpayers deserve a system that is 
accountable, and this bipartisan legislation will provide another tool 
to ensure that we are good stewards of their money. The process created 
by this bill would enable the President to effectively propose the 
elimination of unnecessary spending from legislation that arrives on 
his desk for signature, and send those items back to Congress for 
expedited votes on whether or not to rescind that funding.
  We must do everything we can to make sure tax dollars are spent 
wisely and responsibly. Budget process reform cannot be a substitute 
for judgment, and it cannot replace the urgent need to put Americans 
back to work and to put our nation on a path toward long-term fiscal 
sustainability. But I hope this bipartisan step toward strengthening 
our budget process will be the first on the road of greater cooperation 
to meet our fiscal challenges.
  I want to thank Mr. Ryan and his staff for their important and 
thoughtful cooperation in developing this proposal. I ask all members 
on both sides of the aisle to cosponsor this measure and join us in the 
hard work ahead.

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